Downloader
Downloader helps you to sideload apps on your Firestick. You’ll need it when an app you want doesn’t exist on the Appstore. It works similarly to how you install third-party apps on your Android device, except that some apps aren’t optimized for Fire Stick’s interface. They may look weird on a bigger screen or won’t work correctly with the remote. Downloader itself is available on the AppStore and it’s free. Once you get the app, you’ll use it like a browser and visit different websites where you can download your preferred APK files.
Plex
Plex offers an interesting content collection. It also acts as a media server where you organize movies, TV shows, music, photos, and even home videos from a single location. Then you can stream them on your Fire Stick or other Plex-compatible device from anywhere with an internet connection. I like how it works because it means I can watch anything at home or on my synced mobile device on the go. Plex is free to download, as is most content within it. You don’t need to create an account or subscribe to watch its content. But you must subscribe to view the latest titles like Game of Thrones.
Netflix
Netflix is one app that needs no introduction. It’s among the top movie streaming services worldwide. With a subscription, you can log into your account on the TV and access vast titles, including Netflix originals. The app’s algorithm is your best friend as it learns your viewing habits and suggests content that suits your tastes.
Also, you can create multiple profiles for family members on a single Netflix account, allowing up to five people to view their own personalized recommendations and watch history separately. Since Netflix stores offline content locally, you can’t continue viewing your downloads on another device. So if you’ve downloaded TV shows on your phone, they won’t appear on your Firestick even though it’s the same account.
Crunchyroll
If you’re an Otaku or just getting into the anime world, Crunchyroll provides a home for the best anime movies and shows. My personal favorite, Attack on Titan, is on the app. From over 30,000 collections, including Jujutsu Kaisen and Solo Leveling, you’ll never run out of things to watch. Crunchyroll doesn’t provide a free subscription tier, so you need a paid plan to get started. However, there’s a 7-day free trial that gives you the complete experience before you decide to commit fully.
Stremio
Stremio is similar to Kodi, and supports add-ons. But it’s better than the latter. Stremio’s interface is cleaner and modern. You’ll install the add-ons from within the app instead of manually getting them from repositories. Unlike popular streaming services, the app doesn’t offer its original content or own anything on it. It’s simply a media center connecting to different streaming platforms and sources. Most of the add-ons can fetch you quality content for free.
Use the Torrentio add-ons and the Real-Debrid service for the best experience. Torrentio scrapes numerous torrent websites, while Real-Debrid is a premium link generator. With their capabilities combined, you’ll unlock a wide library of movies in high-quality resolutions from 1080p to 4K resolutions, and other content not available on official streaming platforms. With all that in mind, Stremio itself is legal, but not every online content is. Be mindful of copyright laws and terms of service surrounding them.
The Jackbox Party Pack
All streaming and no games make you dull on the Firestick. Sometimes, you need to catch a break and do something fun. This app fits social gaming and indoor gatherings. It can accommodate two to eight players, who can all connect to the Firestick with your phones when there’s no controller. Then you can breeze through different kinds of humorous entertainment, from creative prompts, drawing challenges, trivia, and more.
For example, Junktopia shows you images of various weird items. You get to name them and create interesting backstories. Jackbox isn’t free, but the payment is one-time and is worth considering if you’re often hanging out with friends. There are different versions of the game, like the Party Packs 1-10.
YouTube
YouTube holds plenty of video content that fits different age groups, and the app is perfectly optimized for Fire Sticks. You can watch anything from the channels you’ve subscribed to or stumbled on randomly at the cost of intrusive ads.
There are recipe tutorials, game walkthroughs, educational videos for children, full movies, and more. The app also integrates with YouTube Music, so you can listen to songs and watch their music videos.
Twitch
Twitch is the go-to platform if you want to catch up on video game live streaming and esports competitions. Though I’m not a sports fan, I like to watch KaiCenat, HappyHappyGal, and other top streamers play. The app’s interface makes it simple to do that and you don’t need an account.
When you start streaming, you can use your Amazon remote to control playback. There’s a right sidebar where you’ll see other streamers in a chat room. You’ll need to scan a QR code with your phone to join them and text. You can hide this sidebar if it’s intrusive, and choose which resolution to stream in for the best experience.
Your Amazon Firestick is rich in variety
The above apps are great options for filling your entertainment needs. But sometimes, having so many choices is confusing and it’s okay to stick with the fee selections added to your Firestick when you set it up. You could always cast fresh content from your mobile phone or tablet to your TV with the Firestick connected. This method works effectively if you have a TV model that doesn’t natively support screen mirroring.
